Interfaith Alliance Relieved by LA Supreme Court Decision on School Voucher Program

WASHINGTON — Having previously signed a joint amicus brief challenging the Louisiana school voucher program recently signed into law by Governor Bobby Jindal, Interfaith Alliance expressed relief at the state supreme court’s decision overturning the method of funding for the voucher program as unconstitutional. Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, who has been an outspoken critic of the voucher scheme both as president of Interfaith Alliance and in his capacity of Pastor for Preaching and Worship of Northminster (Baptist) Church in Monroe, La. Rev. Gaddy issued the following statement:

"I am relieved that the Louisiana Supreme Court overturned our state’s school voucher program which diverts taxpayer dollars from public schools to private schools—the vast majority of which are religious in nature."

"Most, if not all private religious schools are governed by theology both in the general operations of the school and the development of course curricula. Funding, participating in, and sending our children to religious education programs is the right and responsibility of faith communities, clergy, and parents as they see fit—not of our government. Every American also has an equal right to choose not to fund or participate in religious education."

"I have little doubt that our legislators and governor will attempt to circumvent this ruling and find new methods to keep the voucher program funded. But they should have little doubt that I—and other Louisianans who value religious liberty—will continue to fight these programs."

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Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit www.interfaithalliance.org.